Dear Sean

Sean DietrichJuly 19, 2017

I took classes when I could afford them. I attended night school after work. I ate suppers in my truck, going over homework under a dome-light. I wish I could tell you I was a fantastic student. I wasn’t.

I’m sure I am not the only person who looks forward to your posts each day. I am taken back to my childhood, old friends and loved ones when I read your stories. I love how you make the most common people and events into something memorable and beautiful. I’ve been brought to tears more than once and I’m not usually a crier. Your stores ring true, a refreshing reminder of the wonder found in the ordinary. Please keep writing! You have some valuable things to share with us.

I think you are a very good southern writer and storyteller. Your stories speak of the South I know. I have just recently “discovered” your posts and look forward to the daily writings as well as the videos on your page. (I loved your rendition of “Amazing Grace”). I have forwarded the link to friends. Thank you.

I’ve probably commented a dozen times on how your words touched me. You are beyond special. Anyone who doesn’t think so is suffering from something dark and twisted sand has no heart. Don’t believe a word they say.

Shaun, new to your writings and appreciate their beauty and rawness of spirit. This one especially pricks my softly packed away wounds because I was a terrible student. . Back in my day it was expected you were to pay attention and ADHD was an acronym for stupid. I tried, oh I tried, but my mind had so many other things to engage. My ink pen could become a rocket, my desk the cockpit of a fighter plane, my drawings the playbook for Auburn to beat Bama on 4th and goal. This would all lead to that terrible embarrassing moment mid quarter when the dreaded yellow deficiency slips were handed out. The teacher would call you name and up you had to walk with all the smart Key Club kids in penny loafers snickering. . Stupid Kid walking I have come to call that long walk to the wooden desk of the teacher.. Anyway, recently I found one of those knives of deficient knowledge in an old scrapbook from 1965.. In the place for comments on the slip the teacher had written, ” If Bobby would show as much energy for his studies as he does for the things around him he might learn something.” Needless to say when I found it all the memories of feeling dumb and embarrassed in front of my friends came rushing back. So to ease the pain a bit I have now decided to remind myself of that time instead of hide from it any longer. The yellow slip now hangs in a frame from Target just above my BS from College, below my M.Div from graduate school and alongside my hard earned Doctorate. One never knows where a child’s mind might be when you try to corral it and force it to become normal. Sometimes the best thing to do is set it free to be the mind it was created to be. I guess this is simply to say that your mind seems to be doing what it was called to do. So keep stirring up beauty. I need it every time something yellow hits my vision field.

Bob Baggott – That teacher may have had more of a positive impact than you realized. If for no other reason than defiance, you found the discipline and focus and energy to rise above those words and prove them RIGHT! You DID learn something!

Dear Bob,
As someone who likes to write a lot, I scrolled quickly through all the comments until I saw your long one.
Went back to read it.
Thanks.
Late for gardening job, and free hot lunch at Senior Center so I gotta go.
But just wanted to say thanks.
Paul

it is interesting how we fret over the weeds in our gardens sometimes more than we relish the other beautiful plants. We can often remember the injustices and can’t recall the generous comments. I read recently of a woman who felt so low that she began a gratitude comp. book. She made herself write down the most minute things if she couldn’t come up with something she felt was significant. She kept up with it for a few years. She said it turned her negative life around. I try to go over the day with some mental gratitude posts. You have a life now filled with the positive overcoming the negative. Blow off the naysayers. Your writing is such a delight. I even share your articles.

Sean,
Truly good writing, like good music, touches you deep inside and elicits emotion. Whether, it takes back, or to a place you’ve never been, it stirs your emotions.
Your writing takes me back – and to places I’ve never been before.
Your writing makes me laugh, and cry, and hurt, and feel proud, and ashamed, and warm, and it makes me shiver.
Your writing strikes a chord that resonates within me.
Thank you.

An alphabet soup behind a name may qualify someone as “smart” by societal standards. However, you indeed have something “special” … the words that God has written in your heart and that you so beautifully share with all of us.

Your stories never fail to evoke a full range of emotions in me. What is that if not special? But, your humility is what really sets you apart. To have accomplished so much, yet remain so down to earth, is truly rare. Keep on writing, I will keep on reading!

Dear Sean,
I am an English teacher. I have a doctorate in education. I am 59 years old, have read extensively, done some writing myself, and lived life fully. All of which qualify me to say with confidence: you are “freaking special.” Having just stumbled onto your work this summer, I can’t wait to use some of your columns with my students in Taiwan as authentic examples of voice. I may or may not tell them I have shed more than a few tears over your words as they draw me back to special memories or remind me of the way things really are and should be. Thank you.

The old adage, you can’t please all the people all the time, comes to mind. In this world of great negativity I find it extremely soul satisfying to read your encouraging words on a daily basis. Thank you Sean. Keep up the good work.

Sean, I love you and I’ve never even met you! Your writing makes me love you. I read your blog everyday and I have never read anything that touches my life like your writings. You are special, indeed, and you should be extremely proud of yourself for your achievements. I look forward to your renderings every single day of my life! I’m 75 years old so I should know good writing when I read it, don’t you think? Those negative rascals are to be pitied as they have never lived…..poor things!

I don’t believe in coincidence. I believe in God. I also believe that I found your writings at a time when I needed it. We are all special in some ways. Yours happen to be putting it in words. Thank you.

Everyone can express their opinion and my opinion is that I wholeheartedly disagree with that guy. Your writing not only does not “suck” but it inspires, uplifts, evokes emotions – both smiles, laughter and, yes, tears. I am so glad that college professor of yours recognized your talent and inspired you. You may have needed the degree to feel smart, but a college degree no more defines you than the opinions of people do. You are special and, like another reader said, I found you when I needed you. I look forward every day to your blog. If I am with a grandchild or with my 92 year old Mother, they have to hear what you have to say. I find myself disappointed if I open email and your blog isn’t posted yet. I love you, Sean! Please don’t listen to folks like that guy. Believe me, you are VERY special!

Sean as I read this I remember stories about my great grandpa. They say he only went through elementary school but he had a thirst for knowledge and read constantly. He was a brilliant man, but like many people life got in the way. I love your writing, it is so postive in an increasingly negative world.

THANK you for this, once again you amaze me and touch the best places in my heart. You ARE special and this fella is just a sad and disappointed person who I feel sorry for. He must not have anything at all in his life he values, and that is very disheartening. Maybe he will find something and develop a better outlook on life. Your response to him was perfect and I agree 100 %. I am a writer myself, but not like you are. I can only wish for your kind of talent!
KEEP Writing!

Another great expression of life, real or imagined, thank you. You, feeling ‘unintelligent’, and the person that said, ‘your writing sucks’, exposing his feelings of worthlessness. I think we have all been in both places.

While I am a fan of your writing, it’s your character that shines in the way you responded to your critic. The heart of a person is far more important than any accomplishment. What a heart you have, Sean of the South.

There are two ways to become the tallest tree in the forest. One way is to grow. The other, to cut down all the other trees… neither Christian or sustainable in my book! Keep on writing, honey, and we’ll keep on reading you.

Damnit Sean,
You made me cry too.
I don’t want to sound like Buffy or Muffy or some other equally ridiculous rich girl’s name at some country club in some part of the country. You as you know have a very special gift.
I read your posts every morning.
It’s my devotional.
You make me think. I didn’t have time to think much until last year when I finally retired. I was a hospital nurse.I worked at different hospitals in the South where I grew up. The last twenty seven years I worked in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a lot like the South but it rains way more and has big trees. All I had time to read was journals and I was always exhausted physically and emotionally.
My friend from Washington State told me about your writings. I read a couple and thought that ol boy can sure write.
Your posts make a difference Sean. Damnit Sean keep writing. You make the world a better place.
Thank you,
An energized and renewed ol woman in the NW

I feel unsmart a lot of the time too, despite the sheepskins hanging on my office wall. But compared to your critic you mention in this piece, you and I are flipping geniuses! Just keep dropping the mic, Sean. Boom! Oh yeah…..and may God bless your endeavors! Amen.

I’ve written to you before, I’m the Ph.D. (Not Pizza Hut Dude, although I’d probably make more money that way), but college professor. I mentioned to you that your take on To Kill a Mockingbird was spot on, and just as, if not more valid than that Yankee professor who told you you had it all wrong. He can’t help it, he’s a scholar. His bread and butter is reading cocakmaimy ideas into things. So it goes.

My particular degree is in creative writing, and from what you have stated above, I would say that your self-made education on writing is worth more than most of the sheepskins of most of the degreed writers out there. The thing that a lotta folks fail to grasp is that you can’t figure out how to write by reading books on craft. The best way to do learn is to read what other writers have done, figure out what works, what appeals to you, and then apply it to your own style, which you have done magnificently. I’ve taught community college in two states and University level in at least two with a tad of overlap. The thing that gets me most frustrated is that so few students seem to read the text. Text messages, sure, but not the text of the book. You are far ahead of many of the ‘educated’ folks who went to college and came out knowing no more than they did before.

I don’t know why this joker wrote to you. The smart money is on avoiding things you don’t like. Not sure why he didn’t, but that’s his burden. Your work is vivid, moving, genuine, and real. You have something that is all too rare these days: An original, authentic voice. Keep talking. Don’t let anyone tell you to be quiet, or that you are not special. You are indeed special, rare, and authentic.

Dear Sean of the South,
I love you and your work since discovering it less than a year ago. I save many of them and I eagerly await the arrival of each story. I won’t make this lengthy by repeating all the wonderful words others have said about you, even though they are true! You ARE special!

I do want to say that your naysayers such as “I DON’T LIKE SEAN OF THE SOUTH” are to be pitied. It is obvious that he and others like him have serious intrapersonal issues! If they don’t like your writing why do they read it in the first place then feel they must make negative comments?

My 67 years have taught me there are those who live to grumble, complain and be miserable. They look for the negative because that’s all they find within themselves. Some have been that way since childhood. Somehow it may them feel better about themselves to put others down. I’m sure there are reasons, but I’m no psychologist. As a retired high school teacher I learned long ago not to take my students’ criticism personally. It has nothing to do with me, it is their issue. Teachers have to develop a tough skin to survive.

After several experiences with one member of my church, I have come to the following conclusion about such people: If I do or say something, without intent to harm, that invites him/her to be critical of me, I have made his/her day! IT IS A GOOD THING! Perhaps, I have saved another, without the strength and confidence I have, from being the “recipient of the day”! Life is too short to fret over such people!

Dear Sean,
I have taught 9-15 year olds since 1991 except for the 5 years I stayed home with my babies. It is my fondest hope that I have affected just one of my students the way your teacher affected you. You are special for sure. Your writing is a gift, and I thank you for blessing us with it.

You have a very special gift of writing! If you were not wonderful, no one would look forward to your post every day, like we all do. Please keep on sharing personal stories. We all are fighting battles here. Jill

I love your writing! I know you don’t need some stranger telling you you’re special to know you are, and don’t let any stranger who doesn’t even have the courage to sign their name make you feel unspecial for even one second.

I don’t understand why someone would waste their time reading something they don’t like, much less waste their time to criticize. I look forward to your blogs so much that I read them from your Facebook plus I receive them via email. I have bought a ticket to meet you in a few weeks. I have shared your stories with people that also find them encouraging in some form. I find you to be very special. You have a way with words that show your heart. Please don’t let one sour grape spoil your punch. 😊

You’re not only special, you are brilliant! I love reading your work, it’s so very real and personal; I look forward to it every day. And you know what; I find I look at ordinary, every day events a little closer and with a little more perspective. You see, I often pray for God to not let me miss his blessings, no matter how small they may be; and I believe God is using you my friend as His vessel to shed that light. Keep sharing!

I think you are very special. I truly enjoy reading your stories everyday, and I think one of the things that makes you so special is the fact that you are NOT like the mean spirited guy who wrote to you.

It really does take only one to change a life forever. Fortunately my one is my husband who empowers me to do all the little and all the big things needed to make our world stay on it’s axis. Not anything too monumental, just the encouragement and atta-girls that keep me going everyday. So, glad you had your one-voice and glad for me too!! God is good and faithful and will always provide…always…

Sorry I haven’t been commenting much lately, but please look at the number of people who have and know that we wouldn’t be doing this if your writing — and you ARE a writer — didn’t touch something raw and wanting in each one of us. I am allegedly a writer, but you do it every day with a heart and an authenticity impossible to feign day after day, and I know how hard, even daunting, such work usually is for the most dedicated among us. You put me to shame every day, but redeem me from it simultaneously with both compassion and grace. Thank you.

To I Don’t Like Sean of the South-
Apparently no one has ever told you how special you are. I am so sorry that you can not see the beauty in the stories that Sean writes- stories that help us to see the good and best in people and life situations.
I will pray for you sir, as I can only imagine how hard your life must be.
As for me, the writings of Sean not only brighten my day but help me go out the door each day feeling blessed, not so judgmental, and much more aware of how all of us are more alike than not.
God bless your heart!

I have felt unsmart a time or two. And, I have felt special. Those two things are not necessarily mutually exclusive. As for your writing, not only is it compelling, but you are gracious. You have a gift for grabbing people by the heart, helping them to feel, to process, to see things. You remind me of a good trial lawyer (which is not an insult in my book, because, well I am a lawyer who went into the profession hoping to be Atticus and make the world better. I failed at that. But many lawyers are indeed noble, and they do a whole lot of good for the least among us.) Like a good trial lawyer when speaking to a jury, you know how to connect with people, how to say just the right words to move them, and influence them. Don’t let the critics get you down. Deep down you must know that you are special. If you don’t, I will remind you, as will countless others. You deserve credit for responding to that critic with more humanity than he extended.

We all know bullies never feel special. They are sad frauds marauding as confident. Therefore, they attempt to bring others to their level of pain and loneliness. Bullies are also never courageous enough to expose their soft underbelly. Even if you couldn’t write a lick your courage and example prove to be harbingers of ‘specialness.’ You may have had only one biological family, but as proven by your late father-in-law you are considered family by at least a whole REGION of ‘first cousins.’ Onward! We’re counting on you to bring out the best in us.

Dear Sean,
I love your posts.
I think the most motivational thing ever said to me rolled off the lips of Miss Wynona Martin. She was the witch who held the title of high school counselor in the 60’s in Ozark, Al.
It was during registration for my senior year she felt she should just set me straight. “Don’t waste your parent’s money trying to get into college…you aren’t college material”
Hell hath no fury like a red-headed, tractor driving, wild- game-shooting 100 pounder. Not only did I continue studies in piano, organ, and voice, but earned a Nation Registry Paramedic license and a Master’s in Health Services Mgn, and learned to fly the Bell 47 helicopter.
I am proud of both of us. You just keep up the writing.
Sharon Wilson

Great story Sean and Great response for the writer of Dear Sean. Hear is my response to that writer. I to was called stupid, had to go to summer school. My dad would tell me I would never amount to anything if I didn’t shape up. Was beat up more times than I have fingers and toes. Only got a 16 0n the ACT test to enter college. So I petitioned in, the Dean allowed me in because of the desire in my heart to succeed in wanting to help others. I was on probation for one year. In the summer I hung drywall which I agree with Sean is the Devils work. I also loved to read like Sean and that definitely helped me to make it. I graduated with honors. But my student teacher supervisor gave me a bad evaluation stating I was to defensive. So I could not get a job teaching. Did get a job working on the docks in Chicago . Did get one break (I believe through God’s divine intervention ) My Uncle a Vet of WWII got me a job At a Veterans Hospital as a Recreational Therapist. And there I blossomed into a play expert with Psychiatric Patients. Through play they healed. I did that for 39 years at various hospitals. Today I play with my grandson. It was therapeutic for me, all the patient’s I worked with and now my grandson. Seans stories are theraputic. He heals through his writings. Your Dear Sean letter does not. Your letter reminds of the people that use to beat me up. By the way the two Biggest Bullies quit school joined the Army and where killed in Vietnam. What irony! YOU should try and help others instead of being a bully. Love you, Sean!

I have a PhD (Piled Higher and Deeper). The one thing it taught me was that intelligence and talent have absolutely no relationship to education. You have intelligence and talent. Keep writing regardless of who does or doesn’t like it.

You are special to me. I read your stories every day. They make me feel. They remind me of my daddy and my husband and my son who are all in heaven. Sometimes I cry, but mostly I smile because special people like you make me glad I’m still here.

Sean, I think you are wonderful and very special. Your ability to write every day and move your readers on many levels just proves you are doing exactly what God created you for. In my opinion, your stories are alive with feeling, caring, and love for your fellow man (and animals). I really like the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 and do believe it applies to you. [I’m paraphrasing] “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, not for calamity, but plans for hope and a future.” God in His infinite wisdom created you for these days. We are in great need of HOPE and you freely give it in your daily writings. Thank you from the depth of my heart. You truly are SPECIAL. Obviously, I’m not alone in thinking this ~ just look at all the comments!

If Don’t like doesn’t like you, he doesn’t have to read your column! Personally, I thoroughly enjoy your stories. My best friend turned me on to your site and I’ve been very grateful ever since. Some of your stories cause me to get emotional, but I enjoy them all.
keep up the good stories!

Feel the same way. Some days I feel really stupid.
I look forward to your daily emails. You have a special gift.
Happy the teacher saw your worth, encouraged you so that your writings can be enjoyed my me and my friends.
Remember, the perfect man was hated, and crucified.

I love the way you write. Reminds me of John Grogan’s style (Marley and Me). It’s like someone you know is telling you a story that needs to be told and that you need to hear as much as he needs to tell. There is something comforting about it because the need to tell and the need to hear creates a unique conversation. Have you written any books? If not, I hope you will because it’s in there waiting to be heard. If you have, what are the titles?

I kind of envision Sean reading negative letters like that one and chuckling, not fretting over them. Using them as an inspiration to share positivity with his readers instead of letting the mean words bring him (and us) down. Sean learned many important lessons in his young life, among which that sharing goodness brings it back on you tenfold., and that life is too short to let the bad stuff that happens define us forever. Instead, embracing the goodness in others and the blessings we have been given, and acknowledging that sometimes the School of Hard Knocks is the best education in the world! Sean you are awesome, and you are one of the wisest people I know.

It’s a shame ignorance like that exists. Why on Earth would one want to write something that nasty. I guess that person wanted to feel special, too. I’m almost certain it was done to gain him/her, notoriety. Well, it did catch my attention, and it got the reaction they want.

Every day, I can hardly wait to read Sean of the South. It’s the first thing I look for in my morning Email. I hope you didn’t take their uneducated stupidity to heart, Sean. You definitely, are NOT, ‘unsmart.’ You are, however, special, in only a way you know how to touch my heart with your writing. I can ‘see’ every word.

It astounds me what makes someone take the time to write or say negative things to others. Does it make them feel superior? Why not just not read it if they don’t like it…what is the purpose of the comment, what good does it do anyone?

Your writing is very special, it touches me everyday!! Keep up the good work, and thank you for renewing (or maybe reminding me) everyday of all the good that still exists in our world. You have a very special calling!!

Sean I’ve just realized if I keep sitting here reading “comments ” I’ll never get up and get my house work done. Yes I love to read your posts and comments, that much. I keep thinking, just one more and I’ll stop, but the truth is my battery would die first if I didn’t just force myself to put it down. All the positive comments say so much. I can’t say it better , so I’ll just say I agree 💯%. Keep writing Sean.

Very few writers can take a few words, drill down into the heart of a man, turn it inside out, squeeze it till it cries, then put it back in a few seconds & leave feeling as if it matters & can make it another day! Most writers can’t do that in a whole book, but YOU can…because you are Special! You have a God given talent that no one can take away or even learn for that matter. It was always there no matter how stupid you felt. The thing about feelings is that change from day to day based on circumstances. What is comes from the hand of God. Your feelings don’t change that. Now, the poor soul writing to you has a heart full of ugly. Why else would you feel the need to tear down someone trying to help build up others. My mama always said “if you can’t say something good, then say nothing at all”. Good advice for the world & folks tormented with ugly!

I think you are something special too. Like you, I grabbed the opportunities that came my way, and created a few that seemed beyond my reach. Like you, there were a few good folks who saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. God bless every one of them. But there are some things that degrees don’t cover, some things that you rarely learn in classrooms. How to see the world with a lover’s eye. How to tell an awkward truth. How to find beauty in the ordinary. Those are the gifts of an artist. Congratulations on your hard-earned accomplishments. Never forget how special you are, or how to see that in others.

Sean of the South In Your Inbox

Subscribe to Sean of the South and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email

Sean Dietrich

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, The Tallahassee Democrat, Good Grit, South Magazine, Alabama Living, the Birmingham News, Thom Magazine, The Mobile Press Register, and he has authored seven books.